• slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
Hedge-for-Northern-Garden-with-Sandy-Soil-THUMB.jpg

Hedge for Northern Garden with Sandy Soil

I have an area that is full sun half the day, and the soil is sandy. Can you recommend a hedge that is compatible with dry, sandy soil for a northern Midwest garden?

Hedge cotoneaster (Cotoneaster lucidus) was the first plant to come to mind. It grows 6 to 10 feet tall and wide but can be pruned into a hedge and is hardy in zones 4 to 7. This plant is tolerant of harsh conditions and puts on a glorious fall display when the leaves turn a combination of yellow, red, and purple.

The ninebarks (Physocarpus) are drought tolerant and native to much of the Midwest. The finer texture and upright growth habit of dwarf ninebark makes it suitable for hedging. Diablo (10 to 12 feet tall) and Summer Wine (5 to 6 feet tall) are purple leaf ninebarks that make colorful hedges for areas with sandy soils.

One of the upright Junipers such as Ames, Blue Point Mountbatten, and Witchita Blue would tolerate the dry soils. They do prefer full sun but can probably tolerate this location. Be sure to select the one that is the height and width you desire.

Related

Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars


March 27, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

How to Start a Garden for Beginners
Register now

April 3, 2024
Garden Trends 

Franklin Public Library, Franklin, WI

April 10, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Container Gardening Throughout the Year
Register now

April 11, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

7 Steps to Managing Water Where it Falls in Your Yard
Register now

April 17, 2024
Landscaping for Birds: 
A Gardener’s Perspective

Glendale, WI 

April 18, 2024
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Golden Rondelle Theater, Racine, WI
Register now

April 20, 2024
Pruning Hydrangeas and Other Shrubs 
Pasquesi Home & Gardens, Lake Bluff, IL

April 27, 2024
Ridges & Rivers Book Festival
Viroqua, WI

April 28, 2024
Flowering Trees and Shrubs
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI

May 1, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Ornamental Fruits and Vegetables
Register now

May 9, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

How to Plant Your Rain Garden
Register now

WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS

Learn More

Book an Appearance

Learn More

Enter to Win The Birds & Blooms' Ultimate Gardening Guide !

ENTER NOW